Baptism

Apologies for the absence of blogging. I have been having major problems with my computer. Hopefully these problems are now resolved and life can have some normality about it.

Ministry can have its ups and downs, but one of the great pleasures that creeps in at the beginning of each month is when we celebrate baptisms. These always take place on the first couple of Saturdays of the month here at Our Lady's and we then baptise upto four children at a time. It can be very noisy if there are brothers and sisters about, and often most of the people in the congregation are in the unfamiliar environment of a church. This can be a wonderful moment of outreach and challenge. Pointing out that all present are not merely spectators to what is taking place but active participants in the prayer of the Church and in the lives of those children who are being baptised. Finding ways of communicating what this sacrament is about is often challenging and more often rewarding. I always try to remeber in prayer those I have baptised. As I approach the font the words of this song often go through my head
Forever Young.
Words & music © Bob Dylan

May God bless and keep you always,
May your wishes all come true,
May you always do for others
And let others do for you.
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous,
May you grow up to be true,
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you.
May you always be courageous,
Stand upright and be strong,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy,
May your feet always be swift,
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift.
May your heart always be joyful,
May your song always be sung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.